“Our system cares for some of the most traumatic and challenging cases, often with the highest profile and highest risk,”said Dr. Reginald Coopwood, president and CEO of Regional One Health.

Regional One Health Foundation hosted its seventh annual ONE Night gala on Saturday, April 14, at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Approximately 900 attendees reveled in the opportunity to get down and save lives by taking part in the foundation’s largest annual fundraising event. The evening featured a gourmet dinner, an introduction to the life-saving work of Regional One Health, and lively performances by two renowned recording artists – Kenny Loggins and The Bar Kays.

Reginald Coopwood, MD, president and CEO of Regional One Health, kicked off the evening by introducing the work of the health system to the crowd and sharing the story of the Courtney family, whose son Max was a patient at Regional One Health.

“At Regional One Health, we know that hard work is hard. Our system cares for some of the most traumatic and challenging cases, often with the highest profile and highest risk,” said Dr. Coopwood. “Tonight, you’re going to hear directly from a family who knows what it means to experience Regional One Health from the inside out. None of us know when a normal moment could go terribly wrong and change your life forever.”

The crowd watched in silence as Max Courtney’s family told the story of how they almost lost their teenage son and brother after he was seriously injured in a high school football game. Max was airlifted to Regional One Health, and his family credits the work of the trauma team for saving his life. Max’s sister, Molly Courtney, took the stage at ONE Night to thank Regional One Health, and especially Drs. Louis Magnotti and Jerry Jones, for keeping her baby brother alive.

Max Courtney (right) and his family shared his story where he was airlifted to Regional One Health after being seriously injured at a high school football game.

“I was untying Max’s football cleats when he went into cardiac arrest. There aren’t words to describe what it feels like to watch the life escape my brother’s body or the desperation and fear in my mother’s eyes watching her son fight for his life,” said Molly Courtney. “Only one hour earlier, I was watching him play football. You don’t prepare for the unexpected, and you never truly know when you will need life-saving services. When the clock was ticking, they helped give my brother a second chance at life.”

The seventh annual gala included musical performances from Kenny Loggins and The Bar Kays closing out the night.

The event was a night of celebration and entertainment, which was evident during the musical performances.  The dance floor was packed as Kenny Loggins rocked the crowd with classic hits such as “Footloose” and “Danger Zone.” The Bar Kays closed out the evening performing until nearly midnight with the crowd on their feet the entire time.

ONE Night provides funds for Regional One Health to enhance patient care for this community. The foundation supports the health system by purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment, providing advanced training to medical professionals and initiating programs to combat community health issues.

ONE Night was hosted by Regional One Health Foundation; co-chairs Holly Craft and Madelyn Gray; and chair-elects Jennifer Hobson and Suzana Lightman. Signature sponsors include Arney/Scheidt Family Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, FedEx, Provident and Radians.